Chapter Two

**Aria's POV**

The glass I hadn't realized I was holding slipped from my hand, shattering on the marble floor. 

"I have to go," I gasped, already moving toward the door.

Dimitri caught my arm gently. "What's wrong?"

"My father... he's been arrested. I have to—"

"I'll drive you," he said immediately.

"No, I couldn't—"

"Aria." His tone brooked no argument. "Let me help."

Twenty minutes later, we pulled up to my family's modest home. All the lights were on, and I could hear my mother's sobs from outside.

"Thank you," I told Dimitri. "For everything."

"If you need anything—"

"I'll be fine," I lied, already opening the door.

I ran inside to find my mother collapsed on the couch, her face streaked with tears. 

"Mom, what happened?"

"The Council came," she sobbed. "They said your father embezzled pack funds. Half a million dollars, gone. They've frozen all our accounts and... and they say he could face execution if found guilty."

My blood ran cold. "That's impossible. Dad would never—"

"The evidence was overwhelming," she whispered. "Digital transfers, signed documents... But Aria, I know your father. He wouldn't do this."

"This is a setup," I said, pacing. "This has to be—"

My phone rang. Marcus.

"What?" I snapped.

"Heard about your father," he said, fake sympathy dripping from every word. "Such a shame. But I might be able to help."

"How?"

"Meet me tomorrow. Alone. We'll discuss terms."

He hung up before I could respond. I knew what he wanted - me, back under his control. But if it saved my father...

The next morning, I met Marcus at a coffee shop in neutral territory. He looked perfectly put together, while I'd barely slept.

"You look tired," he observed.

"Get to the point, Marcus."

He leaned back, smirking. "The Council listens to the Blackthorne family. One word from Celeste's father, and your father walks free."

"And what's the price?"

"You become my mistress," he said bluntly. "Celeste will be my Luna, but you... you'll be mine in private. I'll set you up in a nice apartment, give you anything you want."

I stared at him, disgusted. "You're seriously asking me to be your whore?"

"Such ugly words," he chided. "I prefer 'exclusive companion.' Think about it, Aria. Your father's life for your... cooperation."

"You're sick."

"I'm practical. You have three days to decide." He stood, then paused. "Oh, and that mysterious friend of yours? I'd stay away from him if I were you. You have no idea who Dimitri Volkov really is."

After he left, I sat there shaking. Volkov. Why did that name sound familiar?

I pulled out my phone and searched. The results made my blood freeze.

Dimitri Volkov: Son of Viktor Volkov, the most powerful Lycan Alpha in Europe. Known for being ruthless in business and politics. Net worth in the billions. And most shocking - Celeste Blackthorne's former fiancé who broke their engagement two years ago.

My phone rang. Unknown number.

"Hello?"

"Miss Aria? This is James, Mr. Volkov's assistant. He's requested your presence for lunch."

"I... I can't."

"He said you'd say that. He also said to tell you he has information about your father's case."

An hour later, I stood outside the most expensive restaurant in the city. Dimitri waited at a private table, looking devastating in a charcoal suit.

"You lied to me," I said, sitting down.

"I omitted certain details," he corrected. "Wine?"

"You were engaged to Celeste."

"Briefly. Until I discovered she was sleeping with my younger brother." His eyes hardened. "The same brother who died in a mysterious accident three months later."

"Did you—"

"Kill him? No. But I didn't mourn him either." He studied me. "You met with Marcus this morning."

"How did you—"

"I told you, I make it my business to know things. What did he offer?"

I looked away. "It doesn't matter."

"He offered to make you his mistress in exchange for your father's freedom," Dimitri said flatly.

My head snapped up. "How could you possibly know that?"

"Because I know Marcus. He's predictable." He leaned forward. "I have a better offer."

"I'm not for sale."

"No, you're not. Which is why I'm not trying to buy you." He pulled out a folder. "Your father was framed. These are the real financial records showing Marcus transferred that money himself, then doctored the evidence."

I stared at the papers. "Why would he do this?"

"To force your hand. To make you desperate enough to accept his degrading offer." Dimitri's jaw clenched. "He's been planning this since he got engaged to Celeste."

"This is proof! We can take this to the Council—"

"The Council is in the Blackthorne's pocket. They won't listen." He paused. "Unless someone with equal or greater influence speaks for you."

Understanding dawned. "You."

"I can clear your father's name, ensure your family's safety, and destroy Marcus's chances of ever becoming Alpha."

"What's the catch?"

He smiled slightly. "Marry me."

I nearly choked on air. "What?"

"A temporary arrangement. One year. It'll give me what I need politically and protect you from Marcus permanently."

"You're insane."

"I'm practical. Marcus won't dare touch what's mine, and the Council won't ignore a Volkov's evidence."

"Why would you do this? What do you really get out of it?"

His eyes darkened. "Revenge. Celeste broke our engagement for my brother. Now she's with your mate. There's poetic justice in taking something they both want."

"I'm not a possession."

"No, but you're a survivor. And right now, we can help each other survive."

I stood to leave, overwhelmed.

"Aria," he called. "You have forty-eight hours before the Council votes on your father's fate. My offer stands until then."

I walked out, my mind spinning. Two devils offering different deals. But which one would leave my soul intact?

That evening, as I sat with my mother, watching her stare at my father's empty chair, I knew what I had to do.

I texted Dimitri: "We need to discuss terms."

His response was immediate: "Tomorrow. My office. We'll make Marcus regret ever touching what's mine."

A shiver ran down my spine. What had I just agreed to?